An army sniffer dog who died on the Afghanistan battlefield alongside her Tyneside handler has been awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

Sasha, a four-year-old yellow Labrador, was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade while on patrol with Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe, from Killingworth, in a Taliban ambush in July 2008.

In a special ceremony at Kensington Town Hall, in London, the courageous canine became the first animal to be awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal - branded the “animals’ Victoria Cross” - since 2012.

The medal was accepted on Sasha’s behalf by her former handler Sergeant Major Andy Dodds and retired military working dog, Fire, who was also injured in Afghanistan and made an amazing recovery from serious injuries.

It is the highest award any animal can receive while serving in military conflict and was awarded to Fire, on behalf of Sasha, by Welsh actress and Gavin and Stacey star, Joanna Page.

Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe with his his dog Sasha

Kenneth’s mum Lyn, who travelled from her home in Newcastle to be at the event, said her son would be looking down from heaven and feeling very proud.

“They had an incredible bond,” said Lyn. “Kenneth was a big animal lover from a young age and thought the world of the dogs he served alongside.

“He specifically asked for Sasha when he was deployed to Afghanistan following his injury and between them they saved countless lives.

“Sasha wasn’t just a working dog, she was Kenneth’s friend. They played football and enjoyed play time together. It wasn’t all about work. The dogs provide much-needed companionship for the soldiers when they’re serving overseas.”

L Cpl Rowe. 24, was due home from Helmand Province in 2008, but stayed on to protect his comrades because he was concerned about the lack of cover.

He had escaped death just three months earlier when the Land Rover he was in with four of his comrades was blown up. Two years after the 24-year-old’s death, his family was awarded the Elizabeth Cross in his honour.

In May 2008, Sasha was re-assigned to L Cpl Kenneth Rowe and deployed to Kandahar on further duties.

During her time in Afghanistan Sasha made 15 confirmed operational finds. Her actions saved many soldiers and innocent civilians from death and serious injury.

Actress and PDSA ambassador, Joanna Page, said: “Sasha’s story is an uplifting and poignant example of the lifesaving work carried out by dedicated animals alongside our armed forces.

“This outstanding bravery and devotion to duty epitomises what the PDSA Dickin Medal has stood for since its inception in 1943. I am honoured to present Sasha’s PDSA Dickin Medal today.”